FDC Evidence Collection & Preservation — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the first step in evidence collection?

Collect evidence immediately
Secure the crime scene (Correct answer)
Transport evidence
Analyze evidence

Correct answer: Secure the crime scene

The first and most critical step in evidence collection is to secure the crime scene. This action prevents unauthorized personnel from entering, minimizes contamination, and ensures that potential evidence is not disturbed, lost, or altered before it can be properly identified and collected.

Question 2: Why is proper packaging important for evidence preservation?

Make evidence visible
Prevent degradation and contamination (Correct answer)
Increase handling time
Ignore sample integrity

Correct answer: Prevent degradation and contamination

Proper packaging is paramount for evidence preservation as it prevents degradation and contamination of the samples. Appropriate containers protect evidence from environmental factors like moisture, temperature fluctuations, and cross-contamination from other items, thereby maintaining its integrity for accurate analysis.

Question 3: What is chain of custody in evidence handling?

Evidence destruction
Documented evidence control (Correct answer)
Ignore evidence handling
Unauthorized access

Correct answer: Documented evidence control

Chain of custody in evidence handling refers to the meticulous, documented control of evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. This unbroken record details every person who handled the evidence, when, and why, ensuring its authenticity and preventing any claims of tampering or contamination.

Question 4: Which material is best for collecting biological evidence?

Metal tweezers
Cotton swabs (Correct answer)
Plastic bags
Paper clips

Correct answer: Cotton swabs

Cotton swabs are generally considered the best material for collecting biological evidence because they are highly absorbent, allowing for efficient collection of samples like blood, saliva, or skin cells. They can also be easily sterilized to prevent contamination and are suitable for drying to preserve DNA.

Question 5: Why should evidence be stored in breathable containers?

Increase contamination
Prevent mold and degradation (Correct answer)
Make packaging cheaper
Ignore preservation

Correct answer: Prevent mold and degradation

Evidence should be stored in breathable containers, such as paper bags or envelopes, to allow any residual moisture to evaporate. This crucial step prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, which can rapidly degrade biological evidence and compromise the integrity of DNA samples.

Question 6: What is the purpose of labeling evidence containers?

Confuse investigators
Accurate identification and tracking (Correct answer)
Ignore chain of custody
Speed up disposal

Correct answer: Accurate identification and tracking

The purpose of labeling evidence containers is to ensure accurate identification and tracking throughout the entire investigative and judicial process. Clear, detailed labels provide essential information, preventing mix-ups, maintaining the chain of custody, and ensuring that each piece of evidence is correctly associated with its case.

Question 7: How should evidence be transported to the lab?

Open containers
Secure, contamination-free transport (Correct answer)
Ignore handling procedures
Mix evidence types

Correct answer: Secure, contamination-free transport

Evidence must be transported to the lab in a secure, contamination-free manner to maintain its integrity. This involves using sealed, labeled containers and following strict protocols to prevent loss, damage, or cross-contamination, ensuring the evidence remains admissible and reliable for analysis.

Question 8: Why is minimizing contamination important during collection?

Speed collection
Maintain integrity and accuracy (Correct answer)
Ignore procedures
Increase errors

Correct answer: Maintain integrity and accuracy

Minimizing contamination during evidence collection is critically important to maintain the integrity and accuracy of forensic results. Any foreign DNA introduced to a sample can lead to misleading or inconclusive findings, potentially compromising the investigation and the pursuit of justice.

Question 9: What documentation is essential when collecting evidence?

Only description
Date, time, collector, description (Correct answer)
Ignore documentation
Use fake names

Correct answer: Date, time, collector, description

Essential documentation when collecting evidence includes the date, time, the identity of the collector, and a detailed description of the item and its exact location. This comprehensive record is fundamental for establishing the chain of custody, proving the evidence's authenticity, and ensuring its admissibility in court.

FDC Evidence Collection & Preservation

What is the first step in evidence collection?